In this episode, I examine the physiological profile of elite ice hockey goaltenders through the lens of a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Exercise Science.

While much of the goaltending literature focuses on perceptual and psychological performance — anticipation, reaction timing, and decision-making — this paper compiles the limited but growing body of research examining the physical and physiological characteristics of the position.

• Why goaltenders are often excluded from broader hockey physiology research

• The structure of a systematic review and what PRISMA means

• Anthropometric comparisons between professional and amateur goaltenders

• Aerobic capacity (VO₂max) differences across levels

• Anaerobic peak power findings

• Grip strength, abdominal endurance, and flexibility

• What standardized fitness testing captures — and what it likely misses

• Professional male goaltenders were not meaningfully taller than amateurs in the pooled data.

• Amateur male goalies showed higher VO₂max values than professionals.

• Professional goalies demonstrated greater relative peak anaerobic power.

• Grip strength and core endurance appeared stronger in professional goalies.

• Flexibility distinguished goalies from skaters but did not clearly separate levels.

• Standardized lab testing may not fully capture position-specific performance demands.

This episode focuses on physiological profiling within the goaltender position.

Part 2 will zoom out to examine physiological differences between forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders at the NHL level.

Marcotte-L’Heureux, V., Charron, J., Panenic, R., & Comtois, A. S. (2021).
Ice Hockey Goaltender Physiology Profile and Physical Testing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
International Journal of Exercise Science.

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https://www.youtube.com/@CoretexGoaltending

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Email:
ek.coretexgoaltending@gmail.com

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Next week: positional physiology at the NHL level.